‘Terrorist connection’ alleged in Trump’s Scotland golf course damage case

Seven men and women have been charged in connection with the vandalism of Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland, prosecutors say the offence was aggravated by a link to Palestine Action, a group classified as a terrorist organisation by the UK government. The charges were filed in the Inverness Sheriff Court on Tuesday, following an investigation that began after the damage was reported by the resort’s staff in March 2025.

The Turnberry Resort, located on the south coast of Scotland, is one of the former president’s most valuable assets. The property was acquired in 2014 and has since been a high‑profile venue for celebrity tournaments and private events. The March incident saw extensive damage to the club’s facilities, including the club house, a number of golf carts and a portion of the 18th‑hole putting green. The damage, which the police describe as “widespread and deliberate,” was estimated by the resort’s management to cost several hundred thousand pounds in repairs.

The seven defendants were arrested in the early days of the investigation and are now facing charges that include vandalism, destruction of property and possession of a weapon. Prosecutors say the group planned the attack after receiving instructions from an individual who was a member of Palestine Action. The group, which has been designated as a terrorist organisation under the UK Terrorism Act 2000, is alleged to have been used as a cover for the planning and execution of the crime.

According to the Crown Office, the alleged terrorist connection “aggravated” the offence, a factor that could increase the potential sentence for those convicted. The Crown Office has stated that the prosecution will seek a maximum sentence of 20 years for each defendant, depending on the severity of the damage and the nature of the alleged terrorist link.

Police say the investigation began after a security guard at the resort noticed suspicious activity on the property’s perimeter. CCTV footage captured a group of men carrying equipment that was later used to damage the club house and other parts of the resort. The footage was shared with the police, who identified the suspects through a combination of surveillance and forensic analysis.

In a statement, the Crown Office said it had received “significant evidence” linking the defendants to Palestine Action. The statement highlighted that the alleged connection was “a key element in the case” and that the prosecution will rely on witness testimony and documentary evidence to establish the extent of the link. No direct quotes were provided by the Crown Office or the police, and no statements were made by the defendants or their legal representatives.

Palestine Action was designated as a terrorist organisation by the UK government in 2021 after evidence of its involvement in extremist activities. The designation means that any association with the group can be used as evidence of intent or support for terrorism. The UK Home Office has stated that the designation is based on intelligence that the group promotes extremist ideology and has been linked to violent acts in the past.

The Turnberry Resort’s management has expressed its disappointment over the incident, describing it as a “devastating blow” to the community and to the reputation of the resort. The resort’s owner, Donald Trump, has not yet released a statement regarding the charges.

The case is part of a broader effort by Scottish authorities to address property crimes that are linked to extremist networks. The Scottish Police Authority has warned that there is a growing trend of vandalism and arson carried out by individuals with ties to extremist groups. The authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activity to the police.

The trial is expected to take place later this year, with the defendants expected to plead not guilty. If convicted, the defendants could face long prison sentences, and the case may set a precedent for how property crimes involving extremist links are prosecuted in the UK. The outcome of the trial will also be closely watched by both the legal community and the broader public, as it touches on issues of property rights, terrorism, and the rule of law in Scotland.